[Vital capacity and peak expiratory flow rates in a North-African population aged 60 years and over: influence of anthropometric data and parity].

Introduction: The aims of this study were to calculate predictive equations for respiratory variables (FVC, FEV1, FEF25%-75%, and PEFR) in elderly north-African people and to study the effect of parity on the respiratory function.

Methods: FVC and forced expiratory flows were measured in a "healthy" sample of 186 subjects aged 60 years and over (66% women). The measurements were made in health centres using portable spirometers. Predictive equations were determined by the technique of multiple linear regression using standing height and age as independent variables. The effect of parity on ventilatory function was studied by comparing two groups defined by a parity greater or less than 4.

Results: The respiratory variables measured in this elderly north-african population were significantly different from those established references ranges.

Conclusions: High parity is associated with a significant reduction in peak flow rate.